EAST BOSTON – Boston’s “Open Streets” program offers residents a chance to experience different neighborhoods and to see streets as public spaces and local businesses are benefiting.

Influx of customers

At the core, La Hacienda is a small, family-owned restaurant in the heart of East Boston. They made their Open Streets debut when the city-run program made a stop in the neighborhood on Sept. 15 – shutting down Meridian Street to traffic and making it pedestrian-only for the day.

“I put a little pupusas stand out there. I had the ladies making some fresh pupusas right there for the people walking by to check out,” owner Aldo Callejas said. “I was expecting, hopefully, to get to $500.”

That $500 goal quickly exceeded $2,000 in a matter of hours.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said she expanded the program this year to showcase what makes each neighborhood unique. Open Streets made stops in Dorchester, Roxbury, Hyde Park and Jamaica Plain.

“As it’s become more of a tradition, it moves around the city in different months and we see an entire showing of thousands of people come out,” the mayor said.

Supporting local businesses

The small business saw a big impact after that weekend.

“I’ve been seeing a new influx of customers. A lot of people saw it as an opportunity to check out the rest of the neighborhood instead of just the waterfront,” Callejas said.

At La Hacienda on Thursday, Red Sox pitcher Brennan Bernardino was spotted at the bar having lunch.

“First day I came here, it was a Sunday, and there was a mariachi band playing, I came in here with my family. Great food, good vibes,” the player said.

It’s the boost that Callejas needed after dealing with the impacts of the Sumner Tunnel closures all summer.

“A pleasant surprise. I really enjoyed that a lot of people from outside the city were able to come in, experience the restaurant,” he said.

The last stop of the season is Allston-Brighton on Sunday, Oct. 20 – giving people an excuse to head outside and shop small.

“Boston is full of small businesses,” Bernardino said. “It’s what makes it unique.”

The Boston College Eagles men’s hockey team kicks off its season on Friday, Oct. 11 against Michigan State in East Lansing, Mich. 

As the season draws closer, we’re taking a look and profiling each member of the 2024-25 roster. Up next is defenseman Michael Hagens. 

Hagens is entering his first season with the Eagles.

Prior to joining the program, he spent two seasons with the United States Hockey League’s (USHL) Chicago Steel. Throughout his time with the Steel, he appeared in 119 games and tallied 16 goals and 42 assists for 58 points. 

During the 2023-24 season, the 19-year-old recorded the fourth-most assists (25) and the fifth-most points (32) on the team. 

The Hauppauge, N.Y., native has already earned a couple of accolades in his career as he was named to the USHL’s All-Rookie Second Team (2022-23) and Third All-Star Team (2023-24). 

Other stints he’s had include the Long Island Royals 13U AAA and 14U AAA teams as well as Mount St. Charles Academy 15U AAA and 16U AAA teams. 

Michael’s brother, James, is also entering his first year with Boston College. 

Name: Michael Hagens

Hometown: Hauppauge, N.Y.

Year: Freshman

Position: Defenseman

Number: 11

Shoots: L

Measurements: 5’11” 170 lbs

Scouting Report: “Hagens’ powerful strides and crossovers launch him up and down the ice, and his hands match,” wrote EliteProspects. “He chains pass receptions with dekes, shots, and passes, even at full speed. But instead of relying on his tools alone, he makes the extra move to secure space, whether that’s a weight shift fake or cutback after leaning into the opponent.”

Two Boston city councilors opposed to the mayor’s controversial plan to raise commercial tax rates introduced an alternative option that would target $45 million in city funds toward homeowners that would be most burdened by a hefty tax hike. 

Originally Published: September 25, 2024 at 7:48 p.m.